A little bit of everything - Where to go?

Hey, folks!

I'm a 25 year old Austrian who's got some money left and so I decided to spend some weeks in the South Pacific in Feb '12. As most flights from Europe would already consume more than my whole budget I can only go either for the Cooks or the Fijis.

I'd be looking for an island large enough to find some quiet hours (preferably all-alone), but that are also not completely deserted - so I can have some chitchat at a bar when I'm in the right mood. Snorkelling grounds, all in all not too expensive (backpacker's up to average budget).

I already considered the Yasawas or Rarotonga/Aitutaki. But I heard the landowners on Waya island don't like people roaming around outside the resort - true?

Thanks in advance for any help,
best regards

I'd recommend the Raro-Aitutaki-Atiu-Raro loop. You can explore by road and trail all you want and the locals are very friendly.

The only budget-busting item I'd recommend would be a scooter which you should set you back $20NZD/day. Also... pick up snorkel gear in Raro at one of the shops for about $75NZD or bring it with you. Expensive to rent on Raro & Aitutaki and NA on Aitu.

The Yasawas are great for inexpensive lodging and good snorkeling but we found the constraints of exploring the place too restrictive. (Octopus Resort)

The Yasawas fit your criteria.

True that Octopus Resort on Waya asks that you don't wander around the island unescorted, but at most of the other islands you don't face such limitations. I frequently went wandering off on my own - though it's proper to at least check with the locals before doing so.

Definitely Fiji.
It offers far more islands to choose from - you won't be limited to staying on a single one even without flying within the country.
While most tourists seem to hole themselves up in their resort, I found absolutely no problems visiting the Fijian villages on any of the Yasawas - they were most welcoming!

If Octopus asks such a thing, stay elsewhere.
From the resorts on Nacula you can easily walk to 2-3 different villages, as well as various viewpoints and beaches, even explore bush/mangroves.

If you are too shy to enter a village on your own, just befriend one of the sarong-sellers visiting the resorts, or a staff, and go and visit with them.

But in reality the only reason I can think of why I resort might ask you not to go exploring on your own is to push you into taking guided walks with them! ;-)

Thank you so much for your advice! I already fancied the Yasawas (as the Cooks seem to be slightly pricier when you want a little more than just backpacker's) - and they seem to have the best value-for money resort around (Blue Lagoon Beach) so it's probably gonna be that one. :) Usually I'm not that picky when it comes to money, but as I'm not going to do such a trip again in the next years I'm extra careful. ;)

Edited by: edain

"the only reason I can think of why I resort might ask you not to go exploring on your own is to push you into taking guided walks with them!"

Yes AI resorts in many countries are similar.

I find that resorts, especially high-end ones, tend to try and control your interactions with the locals. My guess is that they see it as a revenue opportunity.

Another, more legitimate reason, is culture. The Cook Islands have a strong western influence woven into their traditional culture. So the concept of a public thoroughfare is readily accepted while other cultures look upon a road, trail or track as personal property.

Whatever the reason I feel much more at ease and free to wander about on my own anywhere in the Cook Islands. As I said before, the locals are very friendly and look upon visitors as equals, not that different from themselves. I like that.